Spring 2017

In this course we explore the visual culture (in its widest form) of a chosen area of the world. Students use this to inspire and inform their artwork in a wide variety of media, improving their skills as they go.

The operas we study will be selected from a wide range of composers and by watching and discussion will show how this most exciting of art forms can draw us in through the music and the drama in many different ways.

This course will explore themes in contemporary poetry by focusing on a selection of poems from a recently published collection. Comparison with poetry from other periods will form part of this process, as will students’ own choices from the anthology, Being Human.

This course is for anyone willing to consider again the important issues around migration today. We will look at the political, social, economic, religious and ethical effects of living in the 21st century, placing them in historical context and asking what role we might play in dealing with such matters.

Potentially the tool of powerful political or religious figures, meet the heirs of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty in a period seething with intrigue, turbulence and ambition with a view to untangling the characters and relationships behind the throne for the decade from 1547 until 1558.

America changed considerably in the late 1960s and 1970s. By studying key events like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War we can begin to understand what life was like for both politicians and citizens.

Two paintings by two artists: each interesting in their own right, but connected. Students will need to do some research and detective work to find out what the paintings are about and how they might be linked.

This course is aimed at both new and more practised writers. Its objectives are to get writers to consider how to make the best of their craft and skills. We will examine both poetry and prose and other work via both exercises taught by a published poet and short fiction writer, and reading work aloud. So come along, share work, and get the best from your writing.

Setting out to gain some knowledge and understanding of this fascinating subject each session will cover a particular issue or topic from the wide and exciting remit of psychology. We will discuss the relevance of psychology to everyday life – helping us to understand ourselves and others better.

Looking at the ancient world, the Vikings and Queen Elizabeth’s Merchant Adventurers, the ‘golden age’ of piracy and modern day piracy in Somalia, the class will focus on two main questions; the role of piracy in empire formation and why pirates retain their fascination to this day.

This form of exercise combines body movements and mental stimulation. The gentle movements energise the body without putting undue strain on joints and muscles. Practised regularly, these exercises will help to relieve stress and tension, help body balance and increase a general sense of wellbeing.

The course will look at the life and times of Bach, with a particular emphasis on documents of the period and also on recent Bach research. And, of course, we will be listening to a wide range of his music.

The new brochure for the summer and spring courses 2017 is now out. You can get an electronic copy by following this link: http://www.weaeastmidlands.org/brochure/. If you would prefer a hard copy please contact the Derby office on 01332 291805 or derbyoffice@wea.org.uk.

You can now enrol by telephone as well as online and by post – the phone number to call is 0113 245 3304.